Letters: Illegal immigrants don't deserve tuition break

What is Gov. Deval L. Patrick thinking – or is he? When hard-working American citizens are struggling to educate their children, he’s proposing a “break” of in-state tuition for illegals.

They shouldn’t be entitled to any benefits. Where do we go from here with our tax dollars? Allowing illegals to enter a university, taking the slot of some deserving citizen who was not accepted, is mind-boggling.

Citizenship is an honor and a privilege that we should cherish. When immigrants earn that right they are most welcome. It’s interesting that Patrick came up with this idea after the recent election.
--CAROL RESNICK
--Springfield

What are terrorists really fighting for?
Nine years into the war on terror and we still don’t hear any sound analysis as to why our adversaries fight. The only explanation thus far has been summed up in one word – ideology.

Ideology is really just a synonym for religion and religion is not why people fight but rather the consolation prize for the loss of one’s life in battle.

Anger knows no boundaries. Someone may have hatred toward another, but no aggression is usually exhibited. Anger, on the other hand, festers and is self-perpetuating. Anger is most often generated when one’s space becomes occupied by another. Exploitation or confiscation may also fuel anger. In some cases anger is an inherent trait and not a product of outside circumstances. Anger can become a common bond in which people unite under one cause. This is how the masses come into conflict.

We must better understand human behavior and frailties in finding a solution to our global discord.
--BILL PAUL
--Chicopee

American Dream slowly slipping away
In the last month, I was one of more than 2,000 post age-55 retirees who participated in a national survey of retirees from 44 states to see what we think about retirement security and insecurity in America.

The results show that an important chapter in American life sadly appears to be ending.

Almost three quarters of retirees said that they expect their children and grandchildren to have worse career and lifestyle opportunities than they enjoyed.

More than 65 percent of respondents replied “no” when asked if they thought their children will be able to afford retirement. Over 70 percent doubt their grandchildren will be able to afford retirement.

According to Thomas J. Mackell Jr., former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and White House ERISA advisor, “In the past it was a given that children would enjoy better career and lifestyle opportunities than their parents. That chapter in American life appears to be ending.”

In the poll, jointly conducted by the non-profit ProtectSeniors.org (www.ProtectSeniors.org) with Mackell, the vast majority of the 2,021 retirees polled (84 percent) felt they were given the opportunity to achieve the American Dream, but they forecast a grim outlook for their offspring, with 89.2 percent saying it will be more difficult for their children and only 1.9 percent saw an easier time for their grandchildren.

Full poll results can be found at www.protectseniors .org/images/stories/survey
summary11092010 pdf

The survey reaffirms the economic fear Americans are living under and shows retirees need to be outraged and forceful advocates for their own and their children’s economic future. Most retirees are fed up with the media, elected officials and those who want to take away the pensions and health care benefits that they earned.
--DONALD G. NICKERSON
--Warren

U.S. must keep pace with Asian nations
In today’s world there needs to be more educational programs and new creative incentives.

In order to compete or stand with countries like China, Brazil, and India, there has to be more technology, computer and science programs.

This kind of emphasis would make the United States more efficient and progressive.

It would also make it easier for Americans to be prepared if they wanted to work in another country.
--RAJ RAY
--Chicopee